Each month, I trade in the usual format for something looser. A look back at what we read together, what I was personally into, and what life actually looked like on my end while I was writing to you.

I call it the Monthly Edit. Think of it as the issue where I stop being the editor and just talk to you.

Welcome to the September edit.

For the first time in decades, fall came without a college sports schedule to follow. That took a little getting used to.

With the kids grown, the city feels like ours. So with some time on our hands, we started exploring it with purpose. I’m having fun documenting our adventures along the way via @ts3philly.

Newfound time also meant coffee with a new friend, a wildly successful Mahjong night, dinner with my sister-in-law, and a Mt. Joy concert that kept me out way past my bedtime.

In the middle of it all, daughter #2 came home for a visit, and yes, I set up the guest room like an Airbnb.

And Sundays? Those are at my son's apartment now, adapting to RedZone and fully committed to the food.

Here's the best of Bloom. for the month.

Articles you clicked on most this month

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The Marriage Is Long Over. Nobody Told Your Husband.

He thinks they're fine. She moved out of the marriage years ago and never said so out loud, and now she's asking what that silence actually costs. Read

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This is 63.

She was handed an expiration date for one part of herself. She ignored it, and now she's telling you exactly how that's going. Read

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I Lost All My Money to My Mom's Care. I Refuse to Also Lose Myself.

Her mother broke her arm at 89 and suddenly needed round-the-clock care. She assumed someone else would cover it. She was wrong, and now she's fighting for what's left. Read

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I Finally Understand Why My Grandma Hoarded Ketchup Packets.

Grandma drove a Cadillac and got her hair done every week. She also never left McDonald's without a fistful of ketchup packets. Read

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What If You're Wrong About Yourself?

She spent decades certain of something about herself that turned out to have no real source. Tracing it back led to one blunt, freeing question. Read

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The Birthday Experiment.

She thought she wanted a flash mob for her 50th. Or Japan. She settled on an email to a handful of people. Read

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Talking about money out loud. Lately every big question I have turns out to be a money question in disguise. Can I slow down? Can I try something new? Am I going to be okay? I've been reading HerMoney, where more than 100,000 women talk about the money part without whispering.

Dinner for two. Once the house count dropped to two, this started going at least four nights a week. I still don't know why we waited so long.

Headphones and a good story. I managed to listen to two books this month. This one was great. The book club conversation about it was even better.

I've been building Bloom. a new home. The website puts all your favorite parts in one spot. I'm still hanging pictures, but you’re welcome to come take a look.

Bloom.

If you want to be a part if this series, Let me know!

There's something in it for you too.

Details below.

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